Tonight’s game wasn’t the most entertaining to watch for us White Sox fans. For the south siders it started slow and ended slow, as the Rangers improved to 2-1, winning the rubber match of the two teams’ opening series. Like usual, there were positives and there were negatives…but this time the positives were a bit harder to put into words. So, I’ll try my best.
This picture is just awesome, isn't it?
Positives:
1.) We are done playing against the loaded Rangers lineup in the most hitter-friendly ball park in the MLB. It’s one of the toughest places for visitors to win, that’s for sure. The two-time defending AL Champions are as eager as any squad to get back at the grind and climb the mountain that they have been unable to in the previous 2 seasons: winning a World Series title. The White Sox have not garnered high expectations from many, and if they’re going to be successful this season, it’s going to take a little bit of time for the squad to figure it all out. Young guys have to get a feel for their positions with the team and the big leagues as a whole, and that will not happen overnight. Viciedo, De Aza, and Escobar are in a completely new position starting the year as full-time major leaguers. Same with Santiago, Jones, and Stewart in the bullpen, which is our next topic of discussion. But the main point to remember so far is that matchup-wise, it only gets easier from here.
Rookie Nate Jones had former AL MVP Josh Hamilton looking like the rookie
2.) The bullpen‘s performance was phenomenal. We figured out that Hector Santiago, the screwball-throwing rookie is our new closer. He converted his first save opportunity on Saturday, and all signs point to it being an exciting year for him. The other new guys looked very good, and you have to acknowledge once again how tough it is to pitch in the Ballpark in Arlington. Matt Thornton and Jesse Crain will be comfortable in the familiar set-up man role, one they have both excelled in during previous seasons. Nate Jones looks like a talented fireballer who could be a valuable mid-inning guy, and Will Ohman is about as experienced and seasoned as they get. I think the bullpen could end up being the Sox strong point this season despite the influx of youth.
3.) As far as hitting with RISP goes, it can only go up from here. The White Sox will not hit under .100 when guys are within striking distance like they did this past weekend (if I’m not mistaken), you can assume that number will multiply itself by 2.5-3 times. My point is we may as well hit horribly with RISP during the first series in which nobody has any expectations of us going up against the Rangers. So for now, you can consider it to be the Sox getting it out of their system. Plus, it’s always better to have hitting problems than pitching woes, especially so early in the year. If our pitchers keep performing well, we could be in for a hot streak in the near future.
4.) Last but not least…We’ve got 163 left, dude! Just be happy baseball is back.
Be happy like Will Ohman, Sox fans!
I kind of touched on the negatives already. So far, it really just boils down to hitting with RISP, as previously stated. So that’s all for today, folks. Stay tuned tomorrow for a preview of the Kansas City Royals season and a wrap up of the first of a 3-game series at Jacobs Field…or whatever it’s called now.